What do you think?
Rate this book
Kill Switch
A gripping account of espionage and loyalty that Booklist calls “a compact, frayed-nerves bundle of brilliance,” from National Book Award Finalist Chris Lynch.
All Daniel wants to do is spend one last summer with his grandfather before he moves away for college and his grandfather’s dementia pulls them apart. But when his dear old Da starts to let things slip about the job he used to hold—people he’s killed, countries he’s overthrown—old work “friends” show up to make sure he stays quiet. Was his grandfather really involved in a world of assassinations and coups, or are the stories just delusions of a crumbling mind? On the run from the police (and possibly something worse) before he has time to find out, Daniel may have to sacrifice everything to protect his grandfather from those who would do him harm.
All Daniel wants to do is spend one last summer with his grandfather before he moves away for college and his grandfather’s dementia pulls them apart. But when his dear old Da starts to let things slip about the job he used to hold—people he’s killed, countries he’s overthrown—old work “friends” show up to make sure he stays quiet. Was his grandfather really involved in a world of assassinations and coups, or are the stories just delusions of a crumbling mind? On the run from the police (and possibly something worse) before he has time to find out, Daniel may have to sacrifice everything to protect his grandfather from those who would do him harm.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 17, 2012
22 people are currently reading
678 people want to read
About the author
Chris Lynch
61 books161 followersChris Lynch is the Printz Honor Award-winning author of several highly acclaimed young adult novels, including KILL SWITCH, ANGRY YOUNG MAN, and INEXCUSABLE, which was a National Book Award finalist and the recipient of six starred reviews. He is also the author of FREEWILL, GOLD DUST, ICEMAN, GYPSY DAVY, and SHADOWBOXER, all ALA Best Books for Young Adults; EXTREME ELVIN WHITECHURCH, and ALL THE OLD HAUNTS.
He holds an M.A. from the writing program at Emerson College. He mentors aspiring writers and continues to work on new literary projects. He lives in Boston and in Scotland.
He holds an M.A. from the writing program at Emerson College. He mentors aspiring writers and continues to work on new literary projects. He lives in Boston and in Scotland.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
October 18, 2012
Interesting premise. Poor execution. In the end, "Kill Switch" left me wishing I had killed the switch on this one, instead of sticking with it. Generally, I appreciate Chris Lynch's writing.
Da/Old Boy - Daniel Cameron/Young Man/Danny/Dan/D.C./District of Columbia
Grandfather - Grandson
suffering from memory loss? - sane?
a man with a past? - a seventeen year old boy wanting to create a future
vulnerable? - protector?
docile? - violent?
At first, the premise of "Kill Switch" is intriguing. It is the summer before Daniel begins college. He wants to spend it with his grandfather who is supposedly slipping away into dimentia. Slowly, Daniel and the reader pick up on clues that suggest something is amiss here. Why do Daniel and his grandfather have such a close relationship, while Daniel's father and grandfather do not? Who are Largs and Zeke, and what is their true intent? Are all of those stories that Daniel's grandfather tells of violence and murder true, or just the imaginings of a sick man? Who really needs protection - Daniel or his grandfather? After a series of increasingly outrageous behaviors and stories from his grandfather, Daniel decides that his "friends, Largs and Zeke are trying to silence him - they once worked together and have horrible secrets that they don't want Da to tell. In desperation, Daniel and Da run away. They join forces with Daniel's strung out cousin, Jarrod.
Lynch's telling of the story is confusing - perhaps this is his intention. We never know what is truth and what is fiction, or who the good guys and bad guys are. I found myself having to reread passages over and over to determine their meaning. The plot moves slowly as a result. Graphic violence appears out of nowhere as Daniel becomes more and more confused as to what is really happening here. And then, in the end, none of the confusion is resolved. The reader is left with no answers. I respect a writer who respects his or her reader's intelligence. But I don't respect poor writing that ends up essentially being a waste of the reader's time.
I will not recommend this to teens in my library. If someone picks it up, great- the title, cover, and premise are certainly enticing. If anyone does pick it up, I will be curious as to his or her response. I don't think most teen readers will stick with this one. Not glad I stuck with this one.
Da/Old Boy - Daniel Cameron/Young Man/Danny/Dan/D.C./District of Columbia
Grandfather - Grandson
suffering from memory loss? - sane?
a man with a past? - a seventeen year old boy wanting to create a future
vulnerable? - protector?
docile? - violent?
At first, the premise of "Kill Switch" is intriguing. It is the summer before Daniel begins college. He wants to spend it with his grandfather who is supposedly slipping away into dimentia. Slowly, Daniel and the reader pick up on clues that suggest something is amiss here. Why do Daniel and his grandfather have such a close relationship, while Daniel's father and grandfather do not? Who are Largs and Zeke, and what is their true intent? Are all of those stories that Daniel's grandfather tells of violence and murder true, or just the imaginings of a sick man? Who really needs protection - Daniel or his grandfather? After a series of increasingly outrageous behaviors and stories from his grandfather, Daniel decides that his "friends, Largs and Zeke are trying to silence him - they once worked together and have horrible secrets that they don't want Da to tell. In desperation, Daniel and Da run away. They join forces with Daniel's strung out cousin, Jarrod.
Lynch's telling of the story is confusing - perhaps this is his intention. We never know what is truth and what is fiction, or who the good guys and bad guys are. I found myself having to reread passages over and over to determine their meaning. The plot moves slowly as a result. Graphic violence appears out of nowhere as Daniel becomes more and more confused as to what is really happening here. And then, in the end, none of the confusion is resolved. The reader is left with no answers. I respect a writer who respects his or her reader's intelligence. But I don't respect poor writing that ends up essentially being a waste of the reader's time.
I will not recommend this to teens in my library. If someone picks it up, great- the title, cover, and premise are certainly enticing. If anyone does pick it up, I will be curious as to his or her response. I don't think most teen readers will stick with this one. Not glad I stuck with this one.
May 20, 2012
This book had a great premise, but really fell short on delivery. Plot was choppy and filled with holes. Hated the ending.
January 13, 2015
There's a blurb on the jacket that calls this “a compact, frayed-nerves bundle of brilliance".
I must have read a different book, because the one I read was very boring....
I must have read a different book, because the one I read was very boring....
October 11, 2017
It was a really unique and interesting topic. And in the middle I couldn't read fast enough, until it started going no where. And unfortunately that's where it seemed to end.
There needed to be more to this story.
There needed to be more to this story.
January 9, 2015
I thought this book was ok, but it is not one of my favorites. I didn't like the way it would switch points of view. It was hard to follow at times. I also thought the quick change from normal to violent that happened with the main character was not real. There is no real ending to the story. It is like it is a part of the story, not the whole story. I guess I didn't really get that.
Setting: Boston, a small unnamed village where they try to hide Da, most of the book takes place on the road in a car
Characters:
Daniel Camero - "young man", main character
Da - "old boy", Daniel's grandfather
Jarrod - Daniel's cousin
The main character's name is Daniel Cameron. He is referred to as "young man". He is getting reading for college. He wants to make the most of his summer. He wants to spend time with his grandfather, Da. Da is referred to as "old boy". He is slipping into dementia. He forgets things. He gets lost sometimes. Daniel is not close to either of his parents, so he has really bonded with Da. He decides he will help take care of his grandfather. He thinks it will be a good way to spend time with him. It goes fine until Da starts telling crazy stories about being a spy when he was younger. He talks about assassinations and countries he helped overthrow. Everyone thinks he is lying because they all believed he worked for the Department of Agriculture. They all think it is just the dementia taking over his thoughts and memories.
At first, Daniel thinks these are just crazy stories. He thinks they are part of the dementia and memory loss. But, after a while he starts to believe Da. Pretty soon some of Da's former "friends" start to show up here and there. They want to keep Da from leaking all the secrets that are labled "classified". Daniel and his cousin, Jarrod believe that Da is in danger. So, they go on an adventure to try to find a hiding place for Da. They settle on a small village. But eventually they are found and Daniel has to get violent to keep his grandfather safe. There are beatings and one person is killed. Daniel finds out that he has the same type of violent "switch" that his grandfather had. When he is pushed, he just switches to kill mode and there is no stopping him. There is no real culmination or climax to this story. When the story stops, they are still going on, Da is still alive, Daniel is still taking care of him until he goes away to college.
All the while this is happening, we learn how hard it is to watch someone with growing dementia. It is hard to read about this at times. You put yourselves in Daniel's shoes, it is very hard.
I think the theme of this book is : how far would you go to protect someone you love? What activates your "kill switch"? Daniel was not a violet person until he was pushed that far to protect his grandfather. His grandfather can't really protect himself anymore. It is almost like Daniel has switched places from child to caregiver and protector and his grandfather has become more child-like.
I think this book is appropriate for kids 12 and up. There is violence and it is too confusing for someone much younger than that.
Setting: Boston, a small unnamed village where they try to hide Da, most of the book takes place on the road in a car
Characters:
Daniel Camero - "young man", main character
Da - "old boy", Daniel's grandfather
Jarrod - Daniel's cousin
The main character's name is Daniel Cameron. He is referred to as "young man". He is getting reading for college. He wants to make the most of his summer. He wants to spend time with his grandfather, Da. Da is referred to as "old boy". He is slipping into dementia. He forgets things. He gets lost sometimes. Daniel is not close to either of his parents, so he has really bonded with Da. He decides he will help take care of his grandfather. He thinks it will be a good way to spend time with him. It goes fine until Da starts telling crazy stories about being a spy when he was younger. He talks about assassinations and countries he helped overthrow. Everyone thinks he is lying because they all believed he worked for the Department of Agriculture. They all think it is just the dementia taking over his thoughts and memories.
At first, Daniel thinks these are just crazy stories. He thinks they are part of the dementia and memory loss. But, after a while he starts to believe Da. Pretty soon some of Da's former "friends" start to show up here and there. They want to keep Da from leaking all the secrets that are labled "classified". Daniel and his cousin, Jarrod believe that Da is in danger. So, they go on an adventure to try to find a hiding place for Da. They settle on a small village. But eventually they are found and Daniel has to get violent to keep his grandfather safe. There are beatings and one person is killed. Daniel finds out that he has the same type of violent "switch" that his grandfather had. When he is pushed, he just switches to kill mode and there is no stopping him. There is no real culmination or climax to this story. When the story stops, they are still going on, Da is still alive, Daniel is still taking care of him until he goes away to college.
All the while this is happening, we learn how hard it is to watch someone with growing dementia. It is hard to read about this at times. You put yourselves in Daniel's shoes, it is very hard.
I think the theme of this book is : how far would you go to protect someone you love? What activates your "kill switch"? Daniel was not a violet person until he was pushed that far to protect his grandfather. His grandfather can't really protect himself anymore. It is almost like Daniel has switched places from child to caregiver and protector and his grandfather has become more child-like.
I think this book is appropriate for kids 12 and up. There is violence and it is too confusing for someone much younger than that.
July 9, 2013
Hrrngh. Why would you do this to me, Chris Lynch, why?? I really wanted to like this book; I bought it just because it had his name on it. I read Inexcusable and loved it, and I read Angry Young Man and loved it. But I just couldn't get into this one.
One of my main issues with the book was that it was confusing. I mean, if you don't exactly get what's going on in a story unless you read the cover blurb, then that's confusing. And after reading the whole thing, I STILL don't quite know what was up with Daniel's grandfather. Also, the character's motivations for their actions were at times very confusing. Maybe that's just me. Maybe I'm not manly enough for this book, I don't know. I just failed to understand a lot of it, even though I technically could tell you what was going on.
My other main issue with it was its characters. Angry Young Man was also occasionally slightly confusing, but I didn't care because I loved those characters so much. I even liked his characters in Inexcusable, even though most of them were assholes. I can read about mean/violent/crazy people, but I want to like or understand them at least. And at first, I did like the characters. But Daniel turned from a passive everyday kinda guy to a violent person, and I just didn't follow his transformation.
And Da. Don't even get me started. I liked him at first, but I slowly grew to despise him as the book went on. I'm sure there's a trope for the mentor-type figure who abuses the main character into learning some lesson or another, I just don't know its name. And furthermore, I hate that trope. Da was arrogant, threw baseballs at Daniel's ears, treated his son like crap, and almost choked Lucy. He also never liked Jarrod, despite Jarrod doing a ton of things to help them out. Maybe that was the point of his character, but I liked the way he started out, and at that point I could see why his grandson so adored him. By the middle of the book, I wanted Daniel and Jarrod to throw him to the side of the road.
Lucy and Jarrod were my favorite characters, by the way, and they were the most abused. Often for no reason.
And the entire plot made me feel like I missed something. Like I said, motivations were unclear. Like, first Daniel is helping his grandfather miss a doctor's appointment and suddenly they're running for their...lives? I think? With no clear plan/destination in mind? And it's never clear if Daniel even believes his grandfather's wacky stories anyway. I don't know. I just. Didn't. Get it.
But just because I didn't like it in this case doesn't mean it's not good. Some people really liked this book, and maybe they got something I didn't, or connected with the characters in a way I couldn't. Hence the two stars; I hated it, but it wasn't terrible. Read it if it sounds interesting to you, I guess.
One of my main issues with the book was that it was confusing. I mean, if you don't exactly get what's going on in a story unless you read the cover blurb, then that's confusing. And after reading the whole thing, I STILL don't quite know what was up with Daniel's grandfather. Also, the character's motivations for their actions were at times very confusing. Maybe that's just me. Maybe I'm not manly enough for this book, I don't know. I just failed to understand a lot of it, even though I technically could tell you what was going on.
My other main issue with it was its characters. Angry Young Man was also occasionally slightly confusing, but I didn't care because I loved those characters so much. I even liked his characters in Inexcusable, even though most of them were assholes. I can read about mean/violent/crazy people, but I want to like or understand them at least. And at first, I did like the characters. But Daniel turned from a passive everyday kinda guy to a violent person, and I just didn't follow his transformation.
And Da. Don't even get me started. I liked him at first, but I slowly grew to despise him as the book went on. I'm sure there's a trope for the mentor-type figure who abuses the main character into learning some lesson or another, I just don't know its name. And furthermore, I hate that trope. Da was arrogant, threw baseballs at Daniel's ears, treated his son like crap, and almost choked Lucy. He also never liked Jarrod, despite Jarrod doing a ton of things to help them out. Maybe that was the point of his character, but I liked the way he started out, and at that point I could see why his grandson so adored him. By the middle of the book, I wanted Daniel and Jarrod to throw him to the side of the road.
Lucy and Jarrod were my favorite characters, by the way, and they were the most abused. Often for no reason.
And the entire plot made me feel like I missed something. Like I said, motivations were unclear. Like, first Daniel is helping his grandfather miss a doctor's appointment and suddenly they're running for their...lives? I think? With no clear plan/destination in mind? And it's never clear if Daniel even believes his grandfather's wacky stories anyway. I don't know. I just. Didn't. Get it.
But just because I didn't like it in this case doesn't mean it's not good. Some people really liked this book, and maybe they got something I didn't, or connected with the characters in a way I couldn't. Hence the two stars; I hated it, but it wasn't terrible. Read it if it sounds interesting to you, I guess.
October 14, 2014
Interest Level: 9th and up (It could be read by MS, but the main character just graduated high school, and there's some drug use.)
Daniel loves his grandfather; at least, he loved the grandfather he used to have. Now their relationship is different. One moment, his father's father, or "Da," is a strong, independent man. The next, Da is scared and confused, utterly handicapped by the crippling effects of dementia. As Daniel attempts to care for his grandfather while holding on to their bond, some of Da's old "friends" from his previous job begin to show up here and there, and everywhere. They claim to be looking out for their old pal, but it quickly becomes clear that they want to see if his dementia is causing him to run his mouth about his past--a past that is every bit as shocking as it is disturbing.
Before I experienced someone close to me with Alzheimer's, I ignorantly thought of the condition as "you forget stuff." Where Kill Switch succeeds most is in painting the devastating reality behind the effects of dementia to both the sufferer and those close to him/her. While I feel that Lynch leaves a few things to be desired in the execution, early in the story, the haunting authenticity of the relationship he creates between a man suffering from dementia and his grandson made the read well worth it. Anyone who's experienced the same would be touched by it, and anyone lucky enough to be naive of it would be well-served in learning about it through this book.
Daniel loves his grandfather; at least, he loved the grandfather he used to have. Now their relationship is different. One moment, his father's father, or "Da," is a strong, independent man. The next, Da is scared and confused, utterly handicapped by the crippling effects of dementia. As Daniel attempts to care for his grandfather while holding on to their bond, some of Da's old "friends" from his previous job begin to show up here and there, and everywhere. They claim to be looking out for their old pal, but it quickly becomes clear that they want to see if his dementia is causing him to run his mouth about his past--a past that is every bit as shocking as it is disturbing.
Before I experienced someone close to me with Alzheimer's, I ignorantly thought of the condition as "you forget stuff." Where Kill Switch succeeds most is in painting the devastating reality behind the effects of dementia to both the sufferer and those close to him/her. While I feel that Lynch leaves a few things to be desired in the execution, early in the story, the haunting authenticity of the relationship he creates between a man suffering from dementia and his grandson made the read well worth it. Anyone who's experienced the same would be touched by it, and anyone lucky enough to be naive of it would be well-served in learning about it through this book.
October 14, 2012
Kill Switch is Chris Lynch’s latest young adult book. It is a character study about two males – one young and one old- and delves into what makes a person flip their switch into violent mode. Daniel, referred to as Young Man is the narrator of Kill Switch. He spends a lot of time with his aging grandfather, Da, referred to as Old Boy.
Read the rest of my review here
Read the rest of my review here
September 7, 2012
Oh, man, this book is good. Tightly told and wryly funny book by Chris Lynch. Not a spare word. The blurbs and descriptions claim it's a thriller about espionage. I don't think it's a thriller--it's about the humanity of a grandson for his grandfather.
October 12, 2021
The title of my book is “Kill Switch”. The genre is thriller and the author is Chris Lynch. It starts off with the main character Daniel speaking to his Grandfather Da. Da is an old senile man who suffers from severe dementia. I like the idea of this book already but I don't know if there will be much action I think a lot will be told through story's. Also his father lives with them and his mother as well they all live together.
The problem in this book is not really a problem yet. The main character just wants to know more about his grandfather, but his dementia is also making him unable to remember most things. Daniel finds out Da is in the FBI and try's to dig into it but he cant figure anything out. Then one of Da's old friends came over to check on him and Daniel and his mother rushed him out, but Daniel finds out the man was Da's FBI buddy.
My favorite part is when Daniel finds out his grandfather was a real life FBI special agent. He finds out that Da can be very violent and has killed many people. The dad is confused and Daniel is sort of intrigued. He immediately wanted to know more so he starts questioning him. Da just pretends like he doesn't remember and Daniel doesn't know if he does or really doesn't know.
This book is a very interesting concept and that alone is very cool. The way they are telling the story is cool and there are some really really cool parts and surprising parts so it is a true thriller. I definitely would recommend this book and its a nice easy short read. If you like thrillers or exciting books about war and heavy conflict this book is for you.
The problem in this book is not really a problem yet. The main character just wants to know more about his grandfather, but his dementia is also making him unable to remember most things. Daniel finds out Da is in the FBI and try's to dig into it but he cant figure anything out. Then one of Da's old friends came over to check on him and Daniel and his mother rushed him out, but Daniel finds out the man was Da's FBI buddy.
My favorite part is when Daniel finds out his grandfather was a real life FBI special agent. He finds out that Da can be very violent and has killed many people. The dad is confused and Daniel is sort of intrigued. He immediately wanted to know more so he starts questioning him. Da just pretends like he doesn't remember and Daniel doesn't know if he does or really doesn't know.
This book is a very interesting concept and that alone is very cool. The way they are telling the story is cool and there are some really really cool parts and surprising parts so it is a true thriller. I definitely would recommend this book and its a nice easy short read. If you like thrillers or exciting books about war and heavy conflict this book is for you.
June 2, 2018
Despite others' lackluster reviews, I thought it was a pretty decent YA thriller. No, it doesn't have a race-to-the-end finale; the end was actually pretty subdued, but that didn't make it BAD. In fact, I thought the premise was original, the characters lively and interesting, and the plot had some decent twists.
Daniel loves his Da, and Da seems to have a special regard for Daniel, so the summer before he leaves for college, Daniel is determined to make the most of his time with "the old man," especially seeing Da is slipping a bit more and more from what his ID bracelet calls "Memory Loss." When Da starts behaving strangely and telling wild stories about a past full of world travels and violent deeds, Daniel first thinks it's the brain disorder in action. Until Da's old "work" friends start making appearances in unexpected places, and Da is convinced it won't be long before they come to silence him for good.
On a gut instinct, the "Young man" whisks his Da away in the dark early morning hours, unsure if Da needs protection from outside threats, or from himself. Their travels take them farther from home and safety, as Daniel tries to discern what's real, and Da seems to be preparing Daniel for what's to come.
This was a quick, sometimes funny, captivating read.
Daniel loves his Da, and Da seems to have a special regard for Daniel, so the summer before he leaves for college, Daniel is determined to make the most of his time with "the old man," especially seeing Da is slipping a bit more and more from what his ID bracelet calls "Memory Loss." When Da starts behaving strangely and telling wild stories about a past full of world travels and violent deeds, Daniel first thinks it's the brain disorder in action. Until Da's old "work" friends start making appearances in unexpected places, and Da is convinced it won't be long before they come to silence him for good.
On a gut instinct, the "Young man" whisks his Da away in the dark early morning hours, unsure if Da needs protection from outside threats, or from himself. Their travels take them farther from home and safety, as Daniel tries to discern what's real, and Da seems to be preparing Daniel for what's to come.
This was a quick, sometimes funny, captivating read.
July 13, 2017
The idea behind this book was quite interesting, but Chris Lynch did not execute it very well. The book is dull, and if I'm honest, I was quite confused in many parts. I didn't know who was speaking or what they were talking about. He seemed to be implying things, but I could not figure out what he was implying. In many parts, I wasn't sure if I was reading it correctly. I wasn't exactly sure what he meant. It was confusing and boring. I almost gave up many many MANY many times. But I always stick with a book, especially when it's short like Kill Switch.
Towards the end, Dan ends up leaving Da, and my first thought was, "You couldn't stand to leave him alone the entire book, and now you're just going to leave him in some random town with random people, especially when you know there are people looking for him and ready to 'octo-shush' him?" Plus, Jarrod went who-knows-where. The ending was just terrible, in my opinion, at least.
I would never reread this book. I would never recommend this book.
Towards the end, Dan ends up leaving Da, and my first thought was, "You couldn't stand to leave him alone the entire book, and now you're just going to leave him in some random town with random people, especially when you know there are people looking for him and ready to 'octo-shush' him?" Plus, Jarrod went who-knows-where. The ending was just terrible, in my opinion, at least.
I would never reread this book. I would never recommend this book.
April 6, 2018
The book I read is Kill switch by Chris Lynch about a girl Daniel going to see her grandfather for the summer that has dementia. Her grandfather also called Da used to work with a government agency. They tried to kill him from spilling some secrets but he got away. This novel is entertaining and tiring because there's lots of talking and not much action but some mysterie. For example halfway through the story, the main character talks about how her life is boring and she doesn't see family which leads to seeing her Da and he lets her know about the action packed things he did. If you enjoy Kill Switch, then you will love Maze runner because they both have a big common relationship how there government in these worlds are doing something very secret and very mysterious.
October 9, 2017
The book starts off in the summer with the main character, Daniel, taking care of his grandfather. His grandfather (which Daniel calls Da) suffers from dementia. As he slowly succumbs to the disease, Da starts slipping top secret information about his past life that no one knew about. Soon Daniel and Da have to flee from many threats; Daniel is determined to protect Da. Will they make it out okay? Read to find out.
I do have a few critiques about the book though. The author included lots of detail, but some parts were confusing to me. I found myself constantly having to re-read sections because they didn't make sense, the wording was weird, etc. However, that could be partly my fault as I wasn't paying attention at some parts. That brings me to my next point though. I feel like I wasn't paying attention because a lot of the book was pretty boring, especially to someone who enjoys action. The plot development of Da could've been more extravagant as well. I would recommend this book to someone who is looking for an easy read and doesn't mind small bits of action.
I do have a few critiques about the book though. The author included lots of detail, but some parts were confusing to me. I found myself constantly having to re-read sections because they didn't make sense, the wording was weird, etc. However, that could be partly my fault as I wasn't paying attention at some parts. That brings me to my next point though. I feel like I wasn't paying attention because a lot of the book was pretty boring, especially to someone who enjoys action. The plot development of Da could've been more extravagant as well. I would recommend this book to someone who is looking for an easy read and doesn't mind small bits of action.
July 6, 2017
169 pages of nothing happening, I have not read a book that felt more like a waste of my time. There was an attempt at a plot, but not a good one. Like someone had a vague idea for a story, and immediately wrote it all down in one sitting without putting any real thought into it. The whole thing was just not good.
April 23, 2019
I didn't think this book was that good. I certainly have read books that are much, much better than this. This book was very boring and not exciting to me. I didn't want to keep reading to find out what happens next I just read because I had to. I would not recommend this book to anyone, it is supposed to be a thriller but it really isn't, it is just a boring story.
March 21, 2022
Fast book but left me up in the air. Need to see if there are other books to continue the story.
May 25, 2025
Meh whole lot of nothing tbh
June 13, 2012
I will never forget the name Chris Lynch. INEXCUSABLE, published in 2005, was a National Book Award Finalist and one of YALSA's Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults. And I have yet to have anyone tell me something nice about INEXCUSABLE in person. So I've never particularly wanted to read that book, but I've been curious about Chris Lynch.
I couldn't resist the blurb for KILL SWITCH. You mention assassins and I am there. Of course, it also mentioned dementia. At this point I have to accept that books about dementia are going to keep coming my way and there's nothing I can do about it. Daniel never truly realizes how lucky he is that his grandfather is so coherent. The bad days may be coming, but it's a blessing to have any time between sanity and the bad days. Of course, he doesn't have a ton of time to stop and reflect since he and Da are in danger.
Da used to be a very bad man, a sort of black ops operative. And now that his mind is going he can no longer remember to keep his mouth shut. Thus, his old coworkers want to shush him. Daniel can't let that happen. The close relationship between Daniel and Da gives the spare, predictable plot life. Daniel struggles to understand the new things he's learning about his grandfather, which is something you can understand even if your loved ones aren't former assassins. When affairs are put to order, those affairs come to light.
The slim volume begins to go off the rails in the last third. Normal, shocked-by-the-offer-of-a-gun Daniel suddenly turns into a beatdown machine. Now, I'm not saying the events of the book might not push someone to violence. But Daniel goes extreme and he's good at it. Generally, beating the crap out of somebody takes a bit of practice. (Okay, so it's not that hard with a blunt weapon, but he does it once with his bare hands.)
KILL SWITCH didn't make me want to run out and buy INEXCUSABLE. It was a pleasant diversion, a clever merging of the family drama and action thriller genres. But it was a bit too abrupt to really get under my skin. And this is a story that needs to get under your skin.
I couldn't resist the blurb for KILL SWITCH. You mention assassins and I am there. Of course, it also mentioned dementia. At this point I have to accept that books about dementia are going to keep coming my way and there's nothing I can do about it. Daniel never truly realizes how lucky he is that his grandfather is so coherent. The bad days may be coming, but it's a blessing to have any time between sanity and the bad days. Of course, he doesn't have a ton of time to stop and reflect since he and Da are in danger.
Da used to be a very bad man, a sort of black ops operative. And now that his mind is going he can no longer remember to keep his mouth shut. Thus, his old coworkers want to shush him. Daniel can't let that happen. The close relationship between Daniel and Da gives the spare, predictable plot life. Daniel struggles to understand the new things he's learning about his grandfather, which is something you can understand even if your loved ones aren't former assassins. When affairs are put to order, those affairs come to light.
The slim volume begins to go off the rails in the last third. Normal, shocked-by-the-offer-of-a-gun Daniel suddenly turns into a beatdown machine. Now, I'm not saying the events of the book might not push someone to violence. But Daniel goes extreme and he's good at it. Generally, beating the crap out of somebody takes a bit of practice. (Okay, so it's not that hard with a blunt weapon, but he does it once with his bare hands.)
KILL SWITCH didn't make me want to run out and buy INEXCUSABLE. It was a pleasant diversion, a clever merging of the family drama and action thriller genres. But it was a bit too abrupt to really get under my skin. And this is a story that needs to get under your skin.
June 24, 2012
Leaving home for college is always a milestone in a young person’s life, but for Daniel, the summer after his senior year is all the more unforgettable when he embarks on a danger-filled mission to help his beloved grandfather, Da. Memory loss, confusion, strange tales from the past, acts of violence, and a tendency towards ruthless domineering characterize Da, who has a special bond with Daniel not shared by the rest of the family. To his own son, Da was neglectful and cold, to his granddaughter, Lucy, Da only communicates with sharp-tongued contempt. This fractured family makes the reader question what it is that binds them together, and what could be wedging them apart. Everyone but Daniel ignores Da’s fantastical stories of international secret missions, acts of violence in the middle east, clandestine meetings of scientists and government officials. They say it’s all a result of paranoid dementia and that he was nothing more than a humdrum pencil-pusher for the Department of Agriculture who now wears a Medicalert bracelet engraved simply, “Memory Loss”. But Daniel has reason to believe Da’s tales, as figures from Da’s past start to emerge, threateningly to silence Da, who seamlessly traverses between past and present, reality and extraordinary. Whisking Da off to a small secluded seaside village to shelter him from these menacing figures, along with Daniel’s goofy stoner cousin for comic relief, they embark on a desperate and sometimes violent adventure. A quick read at only 169 pages, Kill Switch at times meanders vaguely through Daniel’s emotions and self-doubt, but ultimately it is an enjoyable psychological thriller that may have more appeal for boys and is recommended for all readers age 12+.
July 18, 2012
Leaving home for college is always a milestone in a young person’s life, but for Daniel, the summer after his senior year is all the more unforgettable when he embarks on a danger-filled mission to help his beloved grandfather, Da. Memory loss, confusion, strange tales from the past, acts of violence, and a tendency towards ruthless domineering characterize Da, who has a special bond with Daniel not shared by the rest of the family. To his own son, Da was neglectful and cold, to his granddaughter, Lucy, Da only communicates with sharp-tongued contempt.
This fractured family makes the reader question what it is that binds them together, and what could be wedging them apart. Everyone but Daniel ignores Da’s fantastical stories of international secret missions, acts of violence in the middle east, clandestine meetings of scientists and government officials. They say it’s all a result of paranoid dementia and that he was nothing more than a humdrum pencil-pusher for the Department of Agriculture who now wears a Medicalert bracelet engraved simply, “Memory Loss”. But Daniel has reason to believe Da’s tales, as figures from Da’s past start to emerge, threateningly to silence Da, who seamlessly traverses between past and present, reality and extraordinary. Whisking Da off to a small secluded seaside village to shelter him from these menacing figures, along with Daniel���s goofy stoner cousin for comic relief, they embark on a desperate and sometimes violent adventure.
A quick read at only 169 pages, Kill Switch at times meanders vaguely through Daniel’s emotions and self-doubt, but ultimately it is an enjoyable psychological thriller that may have more appeal for boys and is recommended for all readers age 12+.
This fractured family makes the reader question what it is that binds them together, and what could be wedging them apart. Everyone but Daniel ignores Da’s fantastical stories of international secret missions, acts of violence in the middle east, clandestine meetings of scientists and government officials. They say it’s all a result of paranoid dementia and that he was nothing more than a humdrum pencil-pusher for the Department of Agriculture who now wears a Medicalert bracelet engraved simply, “Memory Loss”. But Daniel has reason to believe Da’s tales, as figures from Da’s past start to emerge, threateningly to silence Da, who seamlessly traverses between past and present, reality and extraordinary. Whisking Da off to a small secluded seaside village to shelter him from these menacing figures, along with Daniel���s goofy stoner cousin for comic relief, they embark on a desperate and sometimes violent adventure.
A quick read at only 169 pages, Kill Switch at times meanders vaguely through Daniel’s emotions and self-doubt, but ultimately it is an enjoyable psychological thriller that may have more appeal for boys and is recommended for all readers age 12+.
December 3, 2012
Daniel loves his grandfather, Da, and is looking forward to spending one more summer with him before heading off to college. As Da’s dementia is worsening, Daniel knows that their time together is limited before his Da loses all control of his mind and memories.
When Da starts talking about violent exploits abroad in his younger days and a former colleague of Da’s warns Daniel to help Da by having him avoid talking about his work, Daniel doesn’t know if this is true or just dementia. Daniel’s family thought Da was a systems analyst for the Department of Agriculture. Are Da’s old colleagues really trying to be helpful or is something more sinister happening?
After one public incident involving Da, Daniel decides to take his grandfather away to avoid a mandatory doctor observation period. Their dangerous adventure becomes a road trip of sorts as Daniel must decide how far he will go to protect the Da he loves.
Teens will enjoy this riveting, fast-paced, suspenseful story. A bonus is the family drama that reveals how complexities in a father-son relationship can result in an easygoing grandfather-grandson relationship. The last third of the book was not as compelling as the first two-thirds, partially due to some character-stretching actions that are not quite believable, but necessary for the author’s ending.
When Da starts talking about violent exploits abroad in his younger days and a former colleague of Da’s warns Daniel to help Da by having him avoid talking about his work, Daniel doesn’t know if this is true or just dementia. Daniel’s family thought Da was a systems analyst for the Department of Agriculture. Are Da’s old colleagues really trying to be helpful or is something more sinister happening?
After one public incident involving Da, Daniel decides to take his grandfather away to avoid a mandatory doctor observation period. Their dangerous adventure becomes a road trip of sorts as Daniel must decide how far he will go to protect the Da he loves.
Teens will enjoy this riveting, fast-paced, suspenseful story. A bonus is the family drama that reveals how complexities in a father-son relationship can result in an easygoing grandfather-grandson relationship. The last third of the book was not as compelling as the first two-thirds, partially due to some character-stretching actions that are not quite believable, but necessary for the author’s ending.
December 10, 2012
Ultimately fascinating, frustrating, thought-provoking. What if we all had a trigger -- a reason we might resort to murder? That's the kill switch...that moment, that motivator, that trigger. Dan is devoted to his grandfather, Da, and grieves as he watches his granddad drift deeper and deeper into dementia. He's losing his hero inch by inch.
But as the condition often does, it seems to highlight long-term memories, hidden memories. Dan begins to realize Da's stories of his long-time job with the Agriculture Department are lies, and he's not sure he can handle the truth.
Dan snatches Da and the two run away, just before something bad could have happened. They find Dan's long-lost cousin, stoner Jarrod, and the road trip takes on a trippy ambiance. But always there's the menace of Da's past and the shadowy men who are trying to silence him...or are they? Is this part of Da's dementia or paranoia or flat-out truth.
The book frustrated me because the premise was so full of promise, but at 169 pages, there wasn't enough time to develop the promising characters, the plot, or the theme of menace. I needed 400 more pages to do this story justice, and I would gladly read them!
I'm troubled and intrigued by the premise...DO we all have that trigger that will switch us into a merciless killer? Man, I hope not!
But as the condition often does, it seems to highlight long-term memories, hidden memories. Dan begins to realize Da's stories of his long-time job with the Agriculture Department are lies, and he's not sure he can handle the truth.
Dan snatches Da and the two run away, just before something bad could have happened. They find Dan's long-lost cousin, stoner Jarrod, and the road trip takes on a trippy ambiance. But always there's the menace of Da's past and the shadowy men who are trying to silence him...or are they? Is this part of Da's dementia or paranoia or flat-out truth.
The book frustrated me because the premise was so full of promise, but at 169 pages, there wasn't enough time to develop the promising characters, the plot, or the theme of menace. I needed 400 more pages to do this story justice, and I would gladly read them!
I'm troubled and intrigued by the premise...DO we all have that trigger that will switch us into a merciless killer? Man, I hope not!
July 30, 2012
This had great potential but was a little hard to follow with a rambling narrative.
The plot: 18 yr. old Daniel has always had a close relationship with his grandfather (whom he calls Da). But lately Da's dementia is getting worse, and it seems to have drawn some unsavory characters from his past into the present. Is Da just making up stories or imagining things when he begins to tell Daniel of top secret operations he completed during his career...which perhaps was a career working in covert operations for the government? Daniel doesn't know what to think, but there seems to be an awful lot of dangerous characters showing up all of a sudden.
My thoughts: I liked the idea here, and the two MCs were both interesting. I especially appreciated the caring relationship Daniel had with his grandfather. There' something off about the narrative thought that made it at times rather difficult to follow, what with Da's memories and some rather crazy car chases and such. I thought this might be great for reluctant guy readers since it is fairly short, but I think it might be too hard to follow to sustain interest for that group.
The plot: 18 yr. old Daniel has always had a close relationship with his grandfather (whom he calls Da). But lately Da's dementia is getting worse, and it seems to have drawn some unsavory characters from his past into the present. Is Da just making up stories or imagining things when he begins to tell Daniel of top secret operations he completed during his career...which perhaps was a career working in covert operations for the government? Daniel doesn't know what to think, but there seems to be an awful lot of dangerous characters showing up all of a sudden.
My thoughts: I liked the idea here, and the two MCs were both interesting. I especially appreciated the caring relationship Daniel had with his grandfather. There' something off about the narrative thought that made it at times rather difficult to follow, what with Da's memories and some rather crazy car chases and such. I thought this might be great for reluctant guy readers since it is fairly short, but I think it might be too hard to follow to sustain interest for that group.
April 20, 2012
Kill Switch has the most fascinating premise--what would happen if a former spy/spook developed Alzheimers and suddenly began talking about classified black ops? Daniel's grandfather has always told great stories, but the stories are beginning to have a frightening edge. When Da's co-workers begin to show up and make threatening insinuations about putting Da in a "home," Daniel and his Da end up on the run. During their flight, Da becomes increasingly violent and ruthless, willing to do anything to keep from being captured. Perhaps even more frightening for Daniel is his newly discovered propensity for the exact same violence and ruthlessness.
This is a taut thriller that raises fascinating ethical questions, as well as capturing our imaginations. Lynch writes to the bone and this novel demonstrates his ability to not waste one word in creating a suspenseful masterpiece that gives us everything--a great plot, complex characters and provocative themes. Out of the ball park, Mr. Lynch. Out of the ball park.
This is a taut thriller that raises fascinating ethical questions, as well as capturing our imaginations. Lynch writes to the bone and this novel demonstrates his ability to not waste one word in creating a suspenseful masterpiece that gives us everything--a great plot, complex characters and provocative themes. Out of the ball park, Mr. Lynch. Out of the ball park.
September 20, 2012
Daniel is the one person in his family who puts up with his Da's crazy habits. The old man has dementia and is less and less like his old self every day. Daniel is there to hold him together, to bring him back to reality. But more and more his Da talks about his old job, working for a government agriculture agency...only his stories have less to do with farming than with torture, kidnapping and government secrets. When Da's old work friends start taking an interest in the crazy things Da says, Daniel figures it is time to get him out of town. He kidnaps the old man and takes him to stay with a cousin on the quiet campus of a small college on summer break. But running only makes them chase you, and Daniel and Da soon find themselves the subject of man-hunt and Daniel learns the meaning of a kill switch, that when flipped means you don't care about anything anymore, and you can do things you never thought possible.
I think I had higher expectations for the book, not quite as fast paced as I had expected. Good but not great. Still a very enjoyable, quick read!
I think I had higher expectations for the book, not quite as fast paced as I had expected. Good but not great. Still a very enjoyable, quick read!
July 17, 2014
I picked this book up from the library with high expectations. Let me just say up and front that I could not have been more disappointed. With lack in mind of what was the worst thing about this book, let me start with the language. I don't mind foul language in novels, I really don't, as long as it suits the character's personality. The language style and fluidity in this book was really annoying me. There was no format to some of the Grandfather's thoughts (perhaps an attempt to express his dementia in first-person... as if he himself were writing it?), and I honestly lost interest after reading 10 pages. The only way I got through those initial pages was by praying that it would eventually get better as I deepened into the plot. It didn't. There was basically no plot. To sum it up, this is not a book. It is a bunch of pages bound together, and covered in a seemingly-interesting cover filled with random thoughts and words inside of it. This "book" does not belong on my bookshelf. Enough said.
February 24, 2016
The Kill Switch is another governmental thriller by Chris Lynch. It is a fictional story about Daniel who thinks him and his family are living a normal life. This story follows the view of Daniel as he learns more about his Grandpa Da.
All Daniel wants to do is spend one last summer with his grandfather before he moves away for college. His grandfather is having a life ending dementia. But when his Da starts to let things slip about the job he used to have and the people he’s killed, countries he’s overthrown, old work friends show up to make sure he stays quiet. Daniel is on the run from the police before he has time to find out, Daniel may have to sacrifice everything to protect his grandfather from those who would do him harm.
Anyone who very much enjoys suspenseful thriller/mysteries will enjoy this book. Daniel will learn how to keep a secret throughout this book and he wonders if his grandpa is a murderer. The characters throughout this book are very interesting and will make you want to keep up with each one.
All Daniel wants to do is spend one last summer with his grandfather before he moves away for college. His grandfather is having a life ending dementia. But when his Da starts to let things slip about the job he used to have and the people he’s killed, countries he’s overthrown, old work friends show up to make sure he stays quiet. Daniel is on the run from the police before he has time to find out, Daniel may have to sacrifice everything to protect his grandfather from those who would do him harm.
Anyone who very much enjoys suspenseful thriller/mysteries will enjoy this book. Daniel will learn how to keep a secret throughout this book and he wonders if his grandpa is a murderer. The characters throughout this book are very interesting and will make you want to keep up with each one.
June 21, 2012
Kill Switch pulls you in and throws surprises all along the way. At the opening it appears that Daniel or Young Man as his grandfather calls him, is spending his last summer caring for his Da, an eccentric old man with Alzheimer's. Daniel was always close to Da and he wonders why his dad never was. Then it seems that stuff he remembers may not be make believe, but the memories of a life and career not for the Department of Agriculture, but a life of violence. When 2 guys he worked with keep showing up because Da's starting to talk about his past too much and want to put him in a home, Daniel decides it's time to go on the lam with his cousin.
Lynch's writing is tight, never using unnecessary words to create this thriller, rather going for the ambiguous. What is clear is that Daniel turns out to be more like his Da then we thought. Perhaps his dad knew more than Daniel thought he did.
Lynch's writing is tight, never using unnecessary words to create this thriller, rather going for the ambiguous. What is clear is that Daniel turns out to be more like his Da then we thought. Perhaps his dad knew more than Daniel thought he did.
December 26, 2013
http://amberleannbookreviews.blogspot...
My Rating
-2.5/5-
Interesting book that keeps you wondering what is up with Daniel and his family. Daniel seems to care about his family a lot especially his grandfather who Daniel proves he will do anything for him.
You have some really interesting characters between Da, Daniel and even Daniel's cousin Jarrod. Jarrod a useless character more or less but helps out. Daniel, the one who cares and doesn't know what he is actually capable of tell something happens. Then Da crazy old man!
Also you have a really good story as Daniel tries to get his Da someone where safe where he will be left alone and left in peace.
I have to say though this book was just lacking a lot of something, I think interested and excitement it would have been so much better with a little more excitement or action or something, it was lacking in my mind.
Overall it wasn't to bad of a book though.
My Rating
-2.5/5-
Interesting book that keeps you wondering what is up with Daniel and his family. Daniel seems to care about his family a lot especially his grandfather who Daniel proves he will do anything for him.
You have some really interesting characters between Da, Daniel and even Daniel's cousin Jarrod. Jarrod a useless character more or less but helps out. Daniel, the one who cares and doesn't know what he is actually capable of tell something happens. Then Da crazy old man!
Also you have a really good story as Daniel tries to get his Da someone where safe where he will be left alone and left in peace.
I have to say though this book was just lacking a lot of something, I think interested and excitement it would have been so much better with a little more excitement or action or something, it was lacking in my mind.
Overall it wasn't to bad of a book though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews